Arsenal and adidas have unveiled the latest part of their No More Red campaign, which was first launched in January 2022 to support Arsenal in the Community’s long-standing commitment to keep young people safe from knife crime and teenage violence.
When the Arsenal men’s squad wore white uniforms against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third-round that year, they captured the nation’s attention and effectively kicked off the campaign.
On Monday, January 9, Arsenal will play Oxford United in the FA Cup third-round. To commemorate this match, Arsenal will once more wear the kit, which has been stripped of all Arsenal red.
Arsenal Women will also support the campaign by donning pre-game training uniform jackets from No More Red when they play Chelsea in the local derby on January 15 at Emirates Stadium.
While there were far fewer teens killed by violent youth crime in 2022 compared to 2021, there were 11,502 knife offenses reported in London between January 2022 and November 2022, an increase from the same time in 2021.
Arsenal and adidas are encouraging the general public to participate in the campaign in 2023 by volunteering with one of their charity partners. They consist of:
- Arsenal in the Community
- The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation
- Steel Warriors
- Don’t Stab Your Future
- Box Up Crime
- Copenhagen Youth Project
- St Giles Trust
- Abianda
- Octopus Community Network
- The Ben Kinsella Trust
Each person who participates in the No More Red program by volunteering with a charity or organization will get a No More Red shirt and be invited to see Arsenal play at Emirates Stadium.
Volunteers who contribute their time are eligible to receive one of the ten No More Red shirts that each charity and organization has available. On their separate websites, each partnering charity provides complete information regarding how they are providing the white jersey.
Additionally, information can be found at arsenal.com/NoMoreRed.
The equipment will never be made publicly available, like it was in 2022, and will only ever be given to people who are actively improving their community.
Arsenal in the Community’s director, Freddie Hudson, said: “Last year we were proud to launch No More Red with adidas. It provided a unique opportunity to highlight almost four decades of our local community work that has helped to keep thousands of young people safe.”
“Throughout 2022, we worked in our local area with adidas, our local authority and our charity partners to build on our support for young people by providing more high quality safe spaces to play sport, access to trusted role models and to shine a light on the positive work being done across our community.”
“Young people face multiple challenges as they grow up in today’s world and we don’t have all the answers, but we are confident our work makes a significant contribution to the lives of our participants.”
“Our hard work must continue and we’re proud to be building on the achievements of the first year of No More Red by adding more social action projects and a volunteer programme that broadens the reach of this powerful initiative.”
“Combining decades of expertise with the incredible support from adidas, will help more individuals make better, informed choices about their future. We’re also sending a strong message that by pursuing your talent and focusing on aspirations, young people can have bright futures and become role models themselves.”
The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation’s CEO, Jessica Neil, continued: “We’re extremely proud to be one of the nominated supporting charities of No More Red, working alongside Arsenal and adidas to inspire a more equitable, inclusive society and to foster opportunities for marginalised young people across the UK.”
“Stephen Lawrence Day 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of Stephen’s death and a significant moment for reflection. We can never know what extraordinary things Stephen would have achieved in his own name had he been afforded the opportunity, but we can work together to ensure that every other extraordinarily ordinary young person like him is supported, empowered and uplifted to explore the full breadth and depth of their potential.”
Arsenal – No More Red Successes In 2022
As they continue to combat knife crime and adolescent violence in London, Arsenal and adidas had a number of highlights and triumphs throughout the first year of the No More Red program.
They developed and introduced the No More Red Social Action Projects in the summer of 2022, when 30 young people were guided by street artist Stazzy to learn about an artistic profession. A No More Red mural was created as a result of the sessions in Rosemary Gardens in Islington.
To help young people in London, talent from the sports and creative industries—including champion boxer Anthony Yarde, director Luke Brookner, well-known artist Reuben Dangoor, and DJ Emerald Rose Lewis—were also involved.
A football field has been renovated in the Harvist Estate, a short distance from Emirates Stadium. Arsenal in the Community used it to conduct sessions throughout 2022 with more than 200 youth and more than 1,500 attendances with responsible adults in a secure setting.
Residents near the field benefited as well because they had access to a secure football field for more than 8,000 hours.
Additionally, by awarding over 50 young people in London with the No More Red shirt and highlighting their accomplishments on Arsenal matchdays, in the stadium, and across its channels, Arsenal and adidas have given a platform to ten charities in London that are all dedicated to fighting the causes and harmful effects of youth violence.
